Alzheimer's Disease
"Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia. A person with Alzheimer's disease suffers gradual memory loss, a decline in ability to perform routine tasks, impairment of judgment, personality change, loss of language skills and lowered resistance to infections and other illnesses. The affected family struggles with the physical, emotional and financial demands of caregiving. The causes of Alzheimer's disease are still unknown and there is no prevention or cure. Alzheimer's disease is terminal; it is the fourth leading killer of adults nationwide. An estimated 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and nearly 30,000 Maine people are affected by Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia."
Maine Resources
Maine Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/maine/
Night or Day Helpline: 1-800-660-2871
Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers.
Area Agencies on Aging: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/resource/aaa.htm
The central resource for elder services in your area.
Alzheimer's Care and Support: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/resource/alzheim.htm
Services for people with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias, and their caregivers include diagnosis and evaluation at memory clinics, adult day services, in-home and overnight respite, home care services and special care units in residential care and nursing facilities.
National Resources
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): http://www.ninds.nih.gov
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a component of the National Institutes of Health, is the leading federal supporter of research on brain and nervous system. The Institute also sponsors an active public information program and can answer questions about research related to the dementias.
For information on other neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at:
BRAIN
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR): http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
P.O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
Tel: 301-495-3311 800-438-4380
Fax: 301-495-3334
adear@alzheimers.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): http://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Tel: 301-443-4513/301-443-8431 (TTY) 866-615-NIMH (-6464)
Fax: 301-443-4279